3 Best Mainstays Coffee Makers - Sept. 2026

Single Serve K-Cup and Brew Coffee Maker

A versatile, space-saving machine that brews K-Cups as well as ground coffee at a much lower price point than high-end models.

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PROS

Very easy to use.
Brews quickly and quietly, making a hotter cup of coffee than other single-cup brewers.
Cord can be stored inside the unit, making it great for campers.
The filter is a fine mesh, which keeps out coffee grounds.

CONS

Some taller travel mugs might not fit.
Users would like to see a variety of colors available.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Mainstays

12-Cup Coffee Maker

Simple Yet Solid

At a price that can't be beat, this full-sized, no-frills coffeemaker brews up 12 cups and keeps them hot.

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PROS

Water can be poured into the tank without pulling coffee maker away from wall, and doesn't take up a lot of counter space.
The spout doesn't drip, and the coffee stops pouring if a cup is desired mid-brew.
Filter basket is removable for easy cleaning.

CONS

No automatic shut-off or timer.
Some users find the carafe a bit tight and hard to remove from warming plate.

Mainstays

5-Cup Coffee Maker

Bargain Pick

Perfect for times when just a couple of cups will do, this wallet-friendly model saves time and money when you'd rather skip the coffee shop.

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PROS

Makes a good-tasting cup of coffee for far less than comparable machines.
Perfect size for those with limited counter space, dorms, or campers.
Pot brews quickly and warming plate keeps liquid hot.
Can heat up water for tea or hot chocolate.

CONS

Does not have an automatic shut-off or timer;
replacement carafe can cost almost as much as the entire unit.

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First Reviewed

September 25, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Ade Hennis

Updated August 2023

Mainstays makes a range of coffee makers – from a single-serve coffee maker that can use a K-Cup or a reusable filter basket for ground coffee, a five-cup coffee brewer with a removable filter basket, and a twelve-cup coffee brewer with a removable filter basket to suit various needs. The single-serve coffee maker employs a simple one-touch operation and the larger, multi-cup versions include keep warm, anti-drip, and “pause ‘n serve” functions as well as dishwasher-safe carafes. All of the Mainstays coffee makers are affordable (prices range from $8 to $20) and compact so they won’t take up much counter space nor be too bulky to store away when not in use.

Best Mainstays Coffee Makers

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

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